Jerome Burton was injured in the fire at the couple's home in the 7400 block of Murray Heights Drive South, in a neighborhood north of U.S. 90 and east of McDonald Road, Levy said. His wife's body was found after the fire.

Jerome Burton was charged after he was released from University of South Alabama Medical Center, where he had been since the fire.

Members of the St. Elmo Volunteer Fire Department found Deborah Burton's body about 8 p.m., after the fire had been put out.

Investigators later determined Deborah Burton had been shot.

Pamela Lamarre told the Press-Register that the Deborah and Jerome Burton had been married for at least 35 years. Lamarre called Deborah Burton "the rock of our family."

Levy said police are still investigating, and anyone with information is asked to call police at 251-208-7211, CrimeStoppers at 251-208-7000 or text 264637 with the keyword CRIME 411.